FONDAP

Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CEDEUS)

The Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CEDEUS, Spanish acronym) is dedicated to supporting the investigation, creation, and exchange of knowledge related to improving the quality of life for urban residents, all within the contexts of equality and environmental protection. The principal aim of this center is to understand the dynamics, instruments, and processes involved in decision making in an urban environment. This goal requires recognizing the biophysical limits and social demands of Chilean cities.

CEDEUS is directed by the Universidad Católica Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urban Studies and by the School of Engineering, with additional participation by the Universidad de Concepción. The most active departments within the School of Engineering are the Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Transport Engineering and Logistics. The Department of Construction Engineering and Management and the Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioprocesses also participate in this center.

For more information, please visit the CEDEUS website.

Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence (CEGA)

The Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence (CEGA, Spanish acronym) is working on improving and increasing the scientific knowledge available regarding geothermal energy in Chile. The mission of CEGA is to make geothermal energy a resource that is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically competitive. Achieving this mission is relevant for meeting the energy needs of Chile and Latin America. CEGA is directed by the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the Universidad de Chile and is co-directed by the UC School of Engineering.

For more information, please visit the CEGA website.

Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (CIGIDEN)

The multidisciplinary team of the Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (CIGIDEN, Spanish acronym) aims to establish a new focus on preventive measures against and the management of natural disasters. This aim is undertaken with the objective of mitigating the sociological, psychological, material, and economic impacts of natural disasters. Advantageously, Chile is one of the best natural laboratories worldwide for studying such phenomena in depth. CIGIDEN is directed by the UC School of Engineering and is cosponsored by the Universidad Católica del Norte, the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, and the Universidad Andrés Bello.

For more information, please visit the CIGIDEN website.